Hi! We are new divers and generally stick to shallow dives. Our local store is having a huge sale and we wanted to know if it was worth buying either the Aqua Lung Matrix or the Oceanic Prodigy. I've seen that Aqua Lung no longer services the Matrix so we're leaning more toward the Prodigy. Opinions?
computer
- Thread starter chappe
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
what is shallow? If you are sticking above 2ATA (33fsw) then you probably don't need a computer at all... in fact, even down to 3ATA (66FSW) your air supply will most likely be the limiting factor.
You could just get a bottom timer/depth gauge and use the tables they taught you in class.
You could just get a bottom timer/depth gauge and use the tables they taught you in class.
I myself will go deeper but BF won't go past 40, so far. That is not to say he won't go deeper as he gets more experience. The convenience of a computer is a big consideration. I seem to either lose my pencil or foget what time we started. Additionally, we are just amassing all our gear and need the gauges anyway. The 3 pc. (pressure gauge, computer and compass) console is only slightly more than the consoles without computers.
... as long as you can depend on it not to bend you... which shouldn't be a problem if you keep the bar graph in the green and learn to do slow controlled ascents and limit after dive exercise and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Charlie99
Contributor
- Messages
- 7,966
- Reaction score
- 169
- # of dives
- 500 - 999
I am a fan of the tissue loading bargraph of the Prodigy, but you might regret getting it if you later decide to start using Nitrox, AND also are pushing NDL limits.
You can dive nitrox with the Prodigy, but will have to track O2 exposure manually (easy to do); and while your body will get the benefits of nitrox, the computer won't show the increased NDLs.
Charlie
I've used a matrix for two years without any problems. But since it's not going to be serviced I certainly wouldn't buy one now. But until it takes a crap it will be fine.
Get the computer you want, you'll love it.
Get the computer you want, you'll love it.
Similar threads
